A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's major public works projects.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.
The official reported that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his administration's strategic agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a notable increase of its duties in public works. They were completed at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised ongoing questions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party demanded an urgent halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these strategic projects.
